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Donald James Robert Cockburn

Posted By Egan Funeral Home On November 8, 2016 @ 4:33 pm In Obituaries | 66 Comments

Cockburn D Web

Don, a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father and friend passed away peacefully on November 7, 2016 at Bethell Hospice.

Don was born on April 21, 1962, in Orillia to Eric Cockburn (pre deceased) and Marilyn Dennis (Lloyd Dennis, pre deceased). He was the much-loved husband of 14 years to Tina, fiercely proud father to Robert (Jessica), Michael, Samantha and Benjamin; a new grandfather to Elliott, cherished brother to Karen (Gord), Dale (Glenna), and Dwight (Gail) and adored uncle to Kristen (Andrew), Stephanie, Eric, Adam, Victoria and Vanessa. He will be sadly missed by the Christensens, his colleagues at DB Schenker and many family and friends.

Our Don was a charismatic, kind hearted man with a determination like no other. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, it focused him to be the best person he could be. He managed the disease to allow him to do the things he enjoyed: spending time with his family, working, golfing and traveling. We will miss Don’s sarcasm, fiery temper and wit.

A special thanks to the doctors, nurses, PSWs and volunteer staff at Princess Margaret Hospital, CCAC Central West and Bethell Hospice.

The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Friday evening 7 to 9 o’clock and Saturday, November 12 from one o’clock until time to memorial service in the chapel at 2 o’clock. A private interment will take place in Orillia at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Team Cockburn, Ride to Conquer Cancer 2017 (http://www.conquercancer.ca/site/TR?px=4157150&fr_id=1581&pg=personal) or Bethell Hospice Foundation (http://foundation.bethellhospice.org/). Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com


Condolences for the family of “Donald James Robert Cockburn”

Condolence from COOK on November 8th, 2016 5:30 pm

We loved having Don as a neighbor and friend. We will miss our front yard conversations and backyard drinks with Don. He was such an inspiration managing his illness the whole time we knew him. His strong, generous heart and spirit will be remembered on Taylorwood Ave for many years to come.

Condolence from Marg, Neil, Chris and Jackson Jones on November 8th, 2016 5:56 pm

Tina, Ben and the entire Cockburn family.

Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbor and friend. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days that lie ahead for all of you. hang tight to beautiful memories, family and friends to help Ease your pain. xo

Condolence from Sarah on November 8th, 2016 6:03 pm

Oh Tina, my heart is breaking for you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.❤️

Condolence from Jen Fritz on November 8th, 2016 6:11 pm

Don’s humour and smirk always come to mind when I think of him. May you find comfort in your fondest memories on your darkest days. Much love to the family.

Condolence from Bruce Ritter on November 8th, 2016 6:38 pm

Karen Dale Dwight & Family’s .So sorry to here of Donny passing ,our thoughts & prayers are with you and the Family at this time of sadness !
Bruce & Robyn Ritter

Condolence from Chris Long on November 8th, 2016 6:50 pm

Karen, Dwight, Dale and Marilyn,
So sorry to read this sad news. I won’t be in the country on Friday and Saturday but I will be thinking of Don, All of you, your families and Dons wife and children.
I am left with very warm and fun memories of my childhood with Donnie, Dale and Lindsey. Personally I am tremendously grateful for this…

Condolence from Chris and Gina Jones on November 8th, 2016 7:52 pm

Our heartfelt condolences to all of the Cockburn family. Hold on to all your cherished memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hugs from Chris and Gina Jones

Condolence from Neil, Jean, Fiona and Andy Reid on November 8th, 2016 8:01 pm

Will always remember and admire the fortitude of Don Cockburn. Few people could fight this disease with such determination .
Glad to have known him. Deepest sympathies to Tina and Ben, Robert, Sammie and Michael, Marilyn, Karen , Dale and Dwight. And all the Cockburn and Uren Family members.

Rest in Peace Don

Condolence from Renata on November 8th, 2016 8:23 pm

Tina my sincerest condolences. I’ll never forget Don’s good humour when he asked me what I was “up to” now.

Condolence from Jim and Sally Thomson on November 8th, 2016 8:41 pm

Dear Tina,
It is difficult to express our feelings with the loss of Don he was such an exceptional person . We have known Don for several years from the Dairy to Unilever, Irving Group, to Schenker…..a road well travelled with many friends. Don lived life for life, with a winning smile , a strong handshake and a get it done attitude which is sorely missed in business today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this great time of loss.

Jim and Sally

Condolence from Bill and Donna Arnold on November 8th, 2016 9:06 pm

We are thinking of All of You!
Sincerely, Bill and Donna Arnold

Condolence from JOHN STOREY. FAMILY ORILLIA ONT . on November 8th, 2016 10:24 pm

Dear Marilyn,and all the Cockburn family members,
Very Sorry to hear of the Sad Loss of DON .
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS

Condolence from Doug Switzer on November 8th, 2016 10:33 pm

So very sorry for you loss. Please accept my sincere condolences at this most difficult time for all of the families. Linda and I are thinking of you all .
Doug and Linda Switzer

Condolence from Glenda, Dennis, Alexia and Savannah Rookwood on November 9th, 2016 12:43 am

Don’s passing is truly a loss because he loved his family and he was loved by you all. May your days be filled with wonderful fond memories of your husband, father, son, brother and uncle. Or deepest condolences.

Condolence from Jan, Corrie, Marlies, Janna on November 9th, 2016 7:37 am

Thinking of all of you in this difficult time. Don was a great guy, funny, smart, kind… Being the close family that you all are you’ll have many good memories to share and to keep each other strong in this difficult time.
Love from us

Condolence from john Falcon on November 9th, 2016 8:30 am

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Tina and the family at this great time of loss.

The Falcon Family

Condolence from Dexter Dalie on November 9th, 2016 9:54 am

Dear Tina,

I feel so impacted after hearing of your loss. My most sincere condolences to you and your family.

Dexter Dalie

Condolence from Cheryl Babcock on November 9th, 2016 10:19 am

Tina, Ben and the Cockburn Family,

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with this loss as individuals and as a family. We are all feeling the loss of Don, but we know this loss is so great for all of you. He was a truly remarkable person and his wit will be missed by all of us. Please accept our condolences.

The Babcock Family

Condolence from David & Monica Frost on November 9th, 2016 11:01 am

With our deepest sympathies to Don’s family on your loss. I will always remember the many times hanging out with Don as we grew up in Orillia. Lots of pool being shot well into the night and wee hours of the morning. Always a smile when I think of Don and the good times.

Condolence from Kenna Harrison on November 9th, 2016 11:18 am

I am very sorry for your loss.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers throughout this time of sadness<3

Condolence from Eric Dewey on November 9th, 2016 1:07 pm

Don was a work colleague, a friend and most importantly one of my heros!! I had the pleasure of working with him for close to twenty years and am certain I will never know a better person. I will miss him.

My condolences to his family and close friends.

Condolence from Donna Marden on November 9th, 2016 1:24 pm

OMG Tina I can’t believe im reading this my condolences, I’m truly sorry. I remember meeting both you and Don last year at Zhers as I was doing a fund raiser for the ride to conquer cancer Don’s kind words and encouragement inspired me for this ride.
May Team Cockburn Ride On!

Condolence from Ralph and Kelly Dominelli on November 9th, 2016 2:53 pm

To the Cockburn family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Condolence from Leslie chan on November 9th, 2016 2:57 pm

don was my childhood classmate going as far back as grade two at central school. when I think of Don I smile. Don thanks for the memories. he was a funny (class clown), kind-heart well liked kid to become a well loved good man. my deepest heartfelt condolences to the family.

Condolence from Michéle Beaubien on November 9th, 2016 4:38 pm

“God`s finger touched him, and he slept.”______Alfred Tennyson

I was always proud to say that Don Cockburn was my brother-in-law . At the end of a work day in Toronto and a long drive back home to Orillia, Uncle Don was the first person to arrive at North York hospital during a severe snowstorm to see his new niece, who he lovingly called “Chanty.” I will always cherish how Don’s sense of humour made the family get togethers more joyous.
I wish to express my sincere condolences to all of Don`s loving family.
Michéle Beaubien

Condolence from Liz Campbell on November 9th, 2016 6:09 pm

Tina and family

I am truly sorry for your loss, may your precious memories bring you comfort during this difficult time.

Condolence from MaryAnn Grahovac on November 9th, 2016 6:50 pm

Dear Tina and family,
My sincere condolences on the passing of Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all the great memories help ease the pain of your loss.
Thinking of you.
Mary-Ann Grahovac. Xo

Condolence from Mike and Laura DiFlorio on November 9th, 2016 8:23 pm

Words cannot describe my sense of loss for my friend, golfing enthusiast and the best Boss I have ever had!

I will miss Don’s honest and sometimes off base in your face approach followed by either his intense glare or more often than not his quick grin and wink as he made sure you were paying attention! Working with and for Don has been a very rewarding experience. Being his friend has been even more rewarding. I will truly miss my favourite golfing partner and his endless trash talking who always made the day WAY more important than just the score. To my friend, you have touched many and as you always said with those wonderfully wild swings in golf as in life, “it opens up over there!”

To Tina and family, our heartfelt condolences in this very sad time. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.

Condolence from Gail Churchill on November 9th, 2016 9:50 pm

My sincere condolences Karen and family. I will keep Don in my prayers this week.
Gail Churchill

Condolence from Laura MacKay on November 10th, 2016 12:03 am

To Tina, family, and colleagues
I had the good fortune to work with Don from 1997 to 2001 at Bestfoods. He was a rare professional who with a strong team performed magic, especially at month and year end. True to form in his competitive nature, he was stellar at touting his team’s results. Even more than that, he proudly talked of his family and his Pumpkin.
I pass on sincere condolences for your loss. He was a team player who pushed us all to do our BEST.
God bless. Laura MacKay

Condolence from Jack van Belzen on November 10th, 2016 5:40 am

Dear Family and Friends,
I had the opportunity and honor to meet and work with Don for a short period of time in Toronto.
During this period I was impressed about his way of doing business and the way he was able to manage his team by challenging them in such way that only Don could do bringing up the best in people.
I will remember him as a remarkable man with a warm hart.
Wishing you as his family and close friends all strength and warmth during this difficult time.

Condolence from Terry Pedwell on November 10th, 2016 7:04 am

May he rest in Peace and may you remember the joyful times.

Condolence from Glenn Greene on November 10th, 2016 8:54 am

So sorry to hear about Don’s passing. He was intelligent, funny and hard working. Really enjoyed playing pool and poker at the Cockburn household. It was a honor knowing Don. Deepest sympathy to the Cockburn family.

Condolence from Doug and Liz Bottomley on November 10th, 2016 9:22 am

Sincere condolences to all. Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.

Condolence from Roger Jenkins on November 10th, 2016 9:30 am

Tina,
We truly enjoyed the time we spent with you and Don in Moncton and the unique dining experiences we shared together. Our thoughts are with you and the family. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Roger and Lynn Jenkins

Condolence from Jeff and Maralee Cameron on November 10th, 2016 10:00 am

Our sincere condolences to Tina and family.

Condolence from Peter Efkarpidis on November 10th, 2016 10:16 am

I did not know Don very well, but he was a colleague at DBS, and as a human being his story touches me, my condolences to the family, may his memory be eternal.

Peter Efkarpidis

Condolence from Peter, Christine, Hailey & Brookelyn Millesse on November 10th, 2016 11:03 am

Don will long be remembered as a good boss, colleague, friend, occasional sparring partner, and all around good man. Our deepest condolences to Tina, Ben and the entire Cockburn family.

The Millesse family.

Condolence from Lawrence LaFrance on November 10th, 2016 11:58 am

I was saddened by the news of Don’s passing. A lot of time has passed since seeing him at school or out and around Orillia but there are still many important connections I have with his family. I hope his last days were peaceful and everyone can take some comfort in the fact that many friends are sending their love and support. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Lawrence LaFrance and family

Condolence from David Salter on November 10th, 2016 1:19 pm

Dear Tina, Ben, the Cockburn and Christensens families,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Sincere condolences.

David & Sandy Salter

Condolence from Jim Jones on November 10th, 2016 3:23 pm

Don was such a wonderful blend of intelligence, diligence and dry wit. He always cared about the impact of what we were doing on the people left behind to do the ongoing work. I have met no one with a higher level of integrity as he would never even consider an unfair gain at the expense of his company, the client or the employees. Working with him week after week in a conference room in Ohio in 2009, we discussed his fears, achievements, joys and challenges. While we will dearly miss him, it has been a blessing that Ben will grow up having known his father.

You have our deepest sympathy, but will also share in the fond memories of a wonderful man.

Jim Jones, Schenker US

Condolence from Paul & Tracey Gravelle on November 10th, 2016 3:59 pm

Cockburn family,

Saddened to hear of the passing of Don,
Hoping you find comfort in your hearts in the coming days.

Condolence from John Epstein on November 10th, 2016 6:59 pm

Don lives on in many great ways, and especially through his children and grandchild. i have known Samantha for some time, and she epitomizes a strength in character that, without a doubt, comes from a forbearance that certainly has roots in the tiger-like-fight that Don and this family have given cancer. How fascinating the concept of a disagreement between the ultra-calm Sam and the fiery-tempered Don.

Sincere condolences to the Cockburn family.

Condolence from Darold Hack on November 11th, 2016 10:56 am

Marilyn and Families
Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time; thinking of you all; please except our sincere condolences on your lose

Darold and Lynne Hack

Condolence from Tonya Link on November 11th, 2016 2:49 pm

Please accept my deepest sympathy. Don was incredibly well respected at Schenker. He taught us many lessons, and led the team by his example. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Thinking of you all.
My sincere condolences,
Tonya Link

Condolence from Edna Holmes on November 11th, 2016 3:26 pm

Dear Marilyn, Tina, Dale and Glenna , Karen and Gord, Dwight and Gail and families
We are so saddened to hear of Don,s passing and know you must be heartbroken
I have been privileged to have know Don since he was a young boy and always admired his intelligence, humour and integrity both in his personal and business dealings.
. Don,s gift to his family and friends was to live far beyond all expectations and lived and loved everyone who knew him.
Your strength as a family will help you through this sad time and I know Don is proud of each and everyone of you.
Love Edna and Harold

Condolence from Mahmood Khan on November 11th, 2016 3:54 pm

Tina,

On behalf of my family and myself, our heartfelt condolences on sad demise of Don. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this great time of loss. I pray for his soul to rest in peace.

Mahmood Khan and family

Condolence from Julie (Sneyd) Brown on November 11th, 2016 4:28 pm

Very sorry to hear of your loss and would like to pass on my condolences. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Julie (Sneyd) Brown

Condolence from Doug Lewis on November 11th, 2016 5:35 pm

The Lewis Family and the Cockburn Family were close in the 1970’s and 1980’s. I had heard of Don’s illness and I am sure he fought it with everything he had.

These are difficult times. Come together as a family. Remember the good times. Look after each other,

You have the condolences of our family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Doug and Family

Condolence from Emily McKinnon on November 11th, 2016 5:44 pm

Bob, Jess, baby Elliot, Tina, Ben and family-
Our sympathies and thoughts are with you all.
Love from Winnipeg,
Emily McKinnon, Kevin Fraser & family

Condolence from Massimo on November 11th, 2016 5:46 pm

To the Cockburn Family.

My deepest condolence go out to the family. Don inspired a lot of people, he was a great mentor. leader and motivator. He will truly be missed!

Condolence from Rick Costron on November 12th, 2016 7:13 am

Rest in peace Boss.
Rick Costron

Condolence from Steve Harkins on November 12th, 2016 7:39 am

They wry wit many describe as a defining trait of Don’s personality was a constant breath of fresh air as he faced his battle head on. At work, Don would purposefully set his team at ease with his trademark “gallows humor”. Even in the toughest times, he set an example of dedication and commitment that very, very few could replicate. Don is unequivocally admired for the unique strength of character he possessed and wore on his sleeve each day.

Sincere condolences, Steve Harkins & Family

Condolence from Anna Melara-Wyman on November 12th, 2016 1:04 pm

Dear Tina, Ben, the Cockburn & Christensen families,
The news of Don’s passing has left a hole in countless peoples lives, I can only imagine the immeasurable sense of loss to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you deal with this immense loss individually and as a family. Don was like no other in every area of his life. His wit and sense of humour had a way of motivating nothing but the best in others. May the multitude of remarkable memories provide some solace to you and your families as you now face life without him. Without a doubt, someone like Don is a rarity, and we were blessed to have known him. I wish I could return to pay my respects however it is not possible, we’re thinking of you all. Don, I imagine you have already taken over a division or two up there and are raising a ruckus. I cannot thank you enough for all that you brought to my life. It was a privilege my friend, until we meet again!
God Bless,
Anna, Andrew, Dario & Dante Wyman

Condolence from Stephanie Roy on November 13th, 2016 12:44 pm

To Marilyn and family,
Blanch Wilson and family express our sincere sympathy in the passing of Don. May fond memories support you in the days ahead. Very sad, what a loss.

Condolence from Mary A. Juza on November 13th, 2016 8:45 pm

Great colleague – glad to have known and worked with him.

Condolence from Victor Gutierrez on November 14th, 2016 7:57 am

It was an honor to have met Don and worked for him. Rest in peace.

My most sincere condolences.

Victor Gutierrez

Condolence from Scott Cairncross on November 14th, 2016 9:57 am

Don was a work colleague and an inspiration in many ways.
Always focused and a joy to work with. We will miss him.

My deepest condolences to the family.

Condolence from Roland Rehhorn on November 14th, 2016 12:46 pm

Dear Dale and Family,
I know how difficult these past few weeks have been for all of you, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

“When you can’t put your prayer into words, God hears you heart”

Best Wishes,
The Rehhorn Family

Condolence from Nancy Schiaparelli on November 14th, 2016 3:29 pm

Don and I worked together at Unilever after the BestFoods merger. I truly enjoyed working with him and the intensity and fun he brought to the business. So sad to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Condolence from Richard Cranwill on November 15th, 2016 3:38 pm

Don was my friend, my customer and then my competitor, but he never changed his charm, wit or teasing. it is with much sorrow to hear of his passing. I did have the good fortune to visit Don at the Bethell Hospice where he promptly gave me the gears for not booking an appointment. On behalf of myself, Chiko Nanji and the entire Metro Supply Chain Group we fondly remember Don and offer sincere condolences to the entire family.

Condolence from JoAnn Marsolais on November 16th, 2016 7:21 pm

My prayers go out to the family .May God keep you in is care .

Condolence from Sabina D’Souza on November 16th, 2016 7:41 pm

I first met Don during my transitioning period from Livingston Intl. to DBSchenker. At the time he visited Livingston he always had this very cheerful look on his face.
The first thing that struck me was how concerned he was towards everybody he met and the type of conversations he had showing respect and care.

I remember when he knew I was going to be a part of DBSchenker he took the time to share with me the best routes on how to get to work. And followed up asking each morning if I got in okay. God bless his family, as they shared a wnderful life together.

May his soul rest in peace. And to his dear family may they find comfort and love with his memories.

Sabina D’Souza

Condolence from Rowell Ong on November 23rd, 2016 2:11 pm

My deepest condolence to Don’s family. I had fond memories working with Don at Schenker.

Rest in peace my friend.

Condolence from Lesley MacMaster on December 10th, 2016 2:32 pm

Samantha and family;

Samantha, on behalf of Georgian College and myself, please accept this belated message of condolence to you and your family. I lost my father earlier this year and although he was quite a bit older than your father, I can understand how difficult this loss might be for you and your family.

May you find solace in your nursing studies and may your grief fill you with compassion for the suffering of others entrusted to your care.
Your Health & Healing Professor,
Lesley MacMaster

Condolence from Michael and Tammy Keck on March 20th, 2017 7:07 pm

Don my friend, I just heard today that we will have to wait some time before we meet again. You were a good friend to our family and we are sad for the emense vold you must leave in yours. The day is a bit longer and harder without your presence in the world. Our dearest feelings of warmth and love to your family.

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